Crime Passenger Catches Chinese Man Red-Handed Stealing on Bangkok-Phuket Flight

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook.

 

A Thai woman has shared a dramatic in-flight experience on a domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket, where a fellow passenger was caught in the act of stealing valuables from another traveller’s bag.

 

The incident was recounted in a viral Facebook post by user Orathai Chirapornchai. She described how the theft occurred mid-flight after cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers had dozed off.

 

 

According to Orathai, she had placed her bag in the overhead compartment and kept her iPad and a book with her for entertainment. Her handbag, containing her wallet, remained securely on her lap. However, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered when a passenger seated in the aisle seat suddenly shouted, “What are you doing with my bag!” at an elderly Chinese man seated behind him.

 

The accused was allegedly caught red-handed, rummaging through the man’s bag and attempting to remove cash from his wallet. The confrontation escalated quickly, with the victim threatening physical retaliation, even exclaiming, “I know Muay Thai!” Despite the evidence, the Chinese passenger reportedly denied any wrongdoing before breaking into rapid speech in Mandarin.

 

Fortunately, another passenger seated behind Orathai had witnessed the entire incident. She confirmed that the suspect had been opening multiple overhead compartments before eventually taking down the victim’s bag and discreetly rifling through it.

 

Flight attendants promptly intervened, isolating the suspect and alerting airport security to await the aircraft’s arrival in Phuket. Upon landing, authorities were on standby to take the individual in for questioning.

 

Orathai later discovered that her own bag, stored overhead, had also been tampered with. Although her notebook was left untouched, likely due to its size, she expressed deep concern over how close she had come to becoming a victim herself.

 

This incident follows several similar reports in recent months involving Chinese nationals stealing from passengers during flights, often targeting small, high-value items while travellers are asleep. In one high-profile case earlier this month, two Chinese men were apprehended by Suvarnabhumi Airport’s tourist police for repeatedly robbing passengers mid-flight.

 

Orathai ended her post with a warning: “From now on, never leave your valuables in the overhead bin. Always keep them with you, it’s just too risky.”

 

Authorities have yet to issue a statement.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-04-27.

 

 

 

 

[gargamon]

Such quality tourists these days.